16 September,2026 05:15 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
The Union Home Ministry`s notification referred to criminal cases allegedly involving members of the network under several laws. File Pic/AFP
The Centre has declared the Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Wednesday, reported the PTI.
Shah said the action was in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of adopting a zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism.
In a post on X, the Home Minister Shah said the network was allegedly involved in smuggling arms, explosives and narcotics across the border. He also alleged that the organisation sought to radicalise young people and petty criminals and push them towards terrorist activities.
A gazette notification issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday invoked Section 35(1)(a) of the UAPA to add the Shahzad Bhatti Network to the First Schedule of the Act.
The First Schedule contains the organisations designated as terrorist organisations under Indian law.
With the latest addition, SBN has become the 46th organisation on the list.
The government said it had taken the action as it believed the network was involved in terrorism and had participated in various acts of terrorism in India.
According to the notification, the network's stated objective was to involve vulnerable young people and local criminals in smuggling arms, explosives and narcotics from across the border, the news agency reported.
The Centre said such activities posed a serious threat to India's democratic system, communal harmony and internal security.
The notification also alleged that SBN was involved in radicalising young people by offering incentives, encouraging them to participate in activities described by the government as anti-national, and mobilising resources for such acts.
The Union Home Ministry's notification referred to criminal cases allegedly involving members of the network under several laws, including the UAPA, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Arms Act, Explosives Act, Information Technology Act and Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, according to the PTI.
The government also alleged that the network worked in coordination with other banned organisations and similarly designated entities to mobilise resources for activities against India's security.
The Centre further alleged that SBN used digital communication platforms to spread provocative messages and promote terrorism through violent activities that could disrupt public order, as per the PTI.
The government said such activities posed a challenge to the country's integrity and internal security.
The designation under Section 35 of the UAPA formally places SBN among organisations declared terrorist under Indian law.
(with PTI inputs)
